Seabrook residents speak out….

MARY ALYS CHERRY

Published 6:00 pm, Monday, January 13, 2003

The comments were made during the public comment period before the meeting.

Duncan resigned her post on council the next day.

Ralls Lee, the first speaker, apologized to the Seabrook Police for Duncan's actions, which he called irresponsible, adding that she showed contempt and disrespect. "I demand that Margaret Kidd Duncan resign immediately and that council censure her," at which time the large crowd cheered and clapped.

Kelly Riley called Duncan's actions unacceptable. "Duncan said it's time to move on. I agree. It's time for you to move on" she told Duncan.

C.W. Schoellkopf, a former councilman, said public officials need to conduct themselves at a higher standard. Duncan broke the public trust and should resign, he said, adding that Duncan "effectively intimidated the police so no citation was issued." He, too, urged her to resign or that council remove her if she doesn't. "She made quite a mess that needs to be cleaned up quickly."

William Hassell said he was astounded on hearing about Duncan's confrontation with police. "I can't image a public official doing that. They certainly shouldn't think they are above the law."

Kurt Dunham also felt Duncan should resign as "she tried to intimidate the police." His wish, he added, would be to see Duncan doing community service, out on the side of the freeway in an orange vest picking up trash.

Mary Hines Lee, alluding to Duncan's taped remarks calling the mayor and council "white trash" and addressing the police dispatcher as "you hillbilly," wore a "hillbilly" shirt as she spoke. "Now we have another reputation — a city of white trash and hillbilly cops. This is the last straw. We, the citizens, demand something be done. If you can't take the pressure, you should resign.

Doug Story saw Duncan's actions as contempt for the citizens of Seabrook, going on to say he hoped she would reconsider and resign.

Nell Bentley, a newcomer to Seabrook, said she found Duncan's behavior an "embarrassment to Seabrook."

Herman Burton, a former mayor pro-tem, said residents expect their public officials to be trustworthy, yet Duncan twice told the police she had not had anything to drink but then went on to admit she had had two glasses of wine. Turning to Duncan, he said, I think you've lost the trust of this town. You've proven you can't take the political pressure. Now you need to resign.

Tim Travis, who was active in the last Seabrook recall, alluded to the possibility that a recall effort might be on the horizon for Duncan. "Please resign and help us save a lot of money," he said.

Marie Blummer, who said she was a 22-year resident of Seabrook, wondered why her young son got 450 hours of community service for using profanity and Duncan had not been charged.

Bo McDaniel, the city manager, was "pleased to see citizens come forward and express opinions," going on to praise the Seabrook police officers and Police Chief Nona Holomon for bringing the matter to his attention. "I have asked Nona to see that all citizens are treated equally."